Argentinian wine alternatives

So, which Argentine wines should you look out for, if you like these other styles...?

Credit: Wines of Argentina

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Argentinian wine alternatives

Burgundian palates

There is very little in common between Argentine and Burgundian vineyards, however several Argentine labels would surprise most experts in Chablis and Côtes de Nuit. If we think of red wines, the key is in Patagonia, especially in the old vineyards of Rio Negro, where the Pinot is complex and elegant, such as those elaborated by Piero Incisa in Bodega Chacra, Marcus Gran Reserva by Humberto Canale or those by the winemaker Marcelo Miras for Familia Miras.

As for Chardonnay, the Burgundy profile can be found in the whites of the highlands of Tupungato, where the vineyards climb to between 1,450 and 1,600 metres. Here, the cold climate and calcareous soils define a fresh and subtle style, such as Matías Riccitelli Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2015, Atamisque Chardonnay 2015, Salentein Single Vineyard 2013 or Zuccardi Fósil 2016, in fact, another Geographical Indication in formation, San Pablo as well as Luján de Cuyo offers refined examples such as
Luigi Bosca Finca Los Nobles 2013.

Credit: Wines of Argentina

Bordeaux Collectors

Fans of Bordeaux would be astonished with the potential of Argentine red blends. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and other reds, they are a promising investment for the future. Examples include Cheval des Andes, made jointly by Terrazas de los Andes and Cheval Blanc, as well as CARO 2013, the result of a project that Nicolás Catena shares with Baron Eric de Rothschild, Lagarde Primeras Viñas Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 – which presents an Argentine profile for the red king, and Zorzal Piantao 2012.

Intense and modern styles

At the beginning of 1990, Priorat was at the top of fine wines for their muscular reds. Later it was the turn of Australia, and then Napa Valley, adding fruity reds to an almost chewable palate. These are wines with a style that seduces thousands of consumers. In Argentina, these styles are found in warm regions such as Salta, San Juan and certain corners of Mendoza. For example, the vineyards of San Juan are famous for their juicy and fleshy Syrah, such as Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah 2014 or Pyros Barrel Selected Syrah 2014, while in Mendoza, in areas such as Barrancas or Lunlunta, the climate gives life to strong reds, such as Pascual Toso Alta Syrah 2014 and Dedicado Barrancas Vineyard 2015. Now, in the Calchaquí Valleys, with the country’s highest vineyards, one can find juicy reds such as Colomé Altura Máxima Malbec 2013, Yacochuya 2013 or Estancia Los Cardones Tigerstones 2013.

Credit: Wines of Argentina

Fragrance in the glass

In the universe of white strains, the aromatic ones are really special. Among them, the most popular are Gewürztraminer and Riesling, for their penetrating floral and fruity tones, something that Torrontés takes care of in Argentina. Unlike its peers, this aromatic white enjoys a dry and sunny climate and its best results are seen in Cafayate, Salta. In addition to floral, citrus and tropical aromas, these wines display a dry and vibrant palate, as is the case of Domingo Molina Torrontés 2016, Laborum Single Vineyard Torrontés 2016 and Terrazas Reserva Torrontés 2016.

So, with such an enticing wine list on offer, what are you waiting for?

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